Eberechi Eze is close to joining Tottenham after Arsenal backed out of the race. The England international is expected to start for Crystal Palace in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad on Thursday before sealing a £60m move to Spurs.

David Ornstein has issued a major Arsenal transfer update after a brutal delivery of injury news. Arsenal had gone quiet on the transfer front, but now, Andrea Berta has been forced back into action. The focus was on sales, but due to a key injury, plans have changed for devastating reasons.

Arsenal face Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium in the 5:30 pm kick-off on Saturday. Daniel Farke’s side will arrive buoyed by opening weekend victory over Everton. Then, it’s a huge trip to Anfield for Mikel Arteta’s side on August 31. It remains to be seen whether Havertz recovers in time to face Liverpool but early signs do not look promising.

Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal’s headline summer signing, now carries the burden as the club’s only recognised fit striker. Havertz’s absence leaves Arteta short of depth, with Leandro Trossard offering a versatile alternative and Gabriel Jesus still sidelined with the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in January.

Tottenham's full focus is on signing the England international and a deal could be struck this week, with Crystal Palace looking at two potential replacements

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However, Liverpool are not yet prepared to meet their £40m valuation for the 25-year-old, something that will concern Reds fans after David Ornstein’s latest update. The Reds usually aim for a defender who is in the age range of 18-22, just like they have done with Giovanni Leoni, although they see Guehi as an exception.

But bad news has hit the Old Trafford faithful, as a Friday evening report by David Ornstein on X (formerly Twitter) stated that United now aren't planning to proceed with a deal for Baleba this summer, despite indirect and direct contact between the two clubs.